Wednesday, April 9, 2014

I'm excited to get to work with this new bunch of lovely apple wood wand blanks! I've just finished curing them after several months, and just like the life of Spring they are ready to emerge renewed. After non-chemical treatment over the Winter the colors are warm and rich, plus through heat tempering the wood has become very strong!

With the sweet smell of Autumn leaves in the air a nearby old crab apple tree was still decorated with heavy red fruit clinging to the branches -- branches that had begun to hang down onto a neighbors car. Because the driveway path was becoming precarious the decision was made to do some late season pruning. It's a shame when any tree has to be cut into, but I feel that it would be a bigger shame to have the cuttings all go to waste. I prepared myself for a sweet harvest of apple wood -- sweet because the wood that I usually work with is from trees that I've personally cared for, so my choices often lack variety, and sweet too for the scent in the air. A few narrow branches were carefully cut from the mother tree; none more than three inches around. I browsed through the offerings to select strong healthy portions to cut into wands while trying not to squish over-ripened apples onto my shoes, but secretly glad when I did squish one because the aroma was like fresh apple pie in the crisp Autumn sunlight; This tree could really produce some big sweet fruit! This tree hasn't grown under my care but has survived an untold amount of years being both loved and neglected -- a true survivor and provider!

After I trimmed the wand lengths from the prunings they were dried in the last of the Autumn sunlight then allowed to steep under the Winter snows to be dug out on the Spring Equinox with dark rich color tones under the bark. Each piece produced from this harvest will be ripe with color and active natural metaphysical energy! When they were removed from the Winter snow they were soaked, de-barked, scrubbed cleaned, heat sanitized, and allowed to keep their natural forms for the most part. I've put in as much care and investment in personal energy as possible. I'm proud of this harvest because I feel that the Mother tree is a hard worker caring for her community and it's a great honor to put her trimmings to such metaphysical uses after her fruit provides food and her branches shelter for the creatures that I share my environment with... truely Wakan (sacred)!

A real charmer! Rustic & simple this handmade apple wood wand with a dangle charm of raw natural emerald and copper chain has a hand rubbed finish at 12 3/4" long by about 1/2" around. The projection end and the pommel end have been rounded over, shaped simply for comfort. From growing the wood to the finished product much care is given to the handmade wands that I craft, and all work is done by hand without the use of power tools. I often allow the natural branch form show, rather than making the wood look like turned furniture.

Apple wood is considered to be feminine to begin with but this wand has an extra female feel to me, which could balance a male energy well. She is a true charmer with a smooth texture and curving grip that entices thoughtful stroking when not in active use. Copper and emerald together are known to be powerful enhancers of magick energy as well as providing protection from negative spells. * The copper color will cherry-up with warm color over time if allowed.

The wood that I craft my wands from is always ethically gathered, such as those that the wind has brought down or that come from general yard maintenance -- no trees are ever harmed for harvesting. I do not use power tools -- all of the work is done by hand. I only use branches and twigs that are free of disease, and not previously "dead", so that the wood remains strong. Heat is used to both sanitize and temper cure green wood, which further adds to the strength. Because they come from Nature no two of my handmade wands can ever be the same.

All of the spiritual ritual tools that I craft are always only worked on in a positive environment with a ritual mind-set using the highest quality materials possible for heirloom quality and historic authenticity.

*Use metaphysical information as suggestion and at your own risk.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments.

Handmade Wooden Wands

Welcome! The wood that I craft my wands from is always ethically gathered, such as those that the wind has brought down or that come from general yard maintenance; no trees are ever harmed for harvesting. I do not use power tools; all of the work is done by hand. I only use branches and twigs that are free of disease, and not previously "dead", so that the wood remains strong. Because they come from Nature no two of my handmade wands can ever be the same. All of the spiritual ritual tools that I craft are worked on in a positive environment with a ritual mind-set using the highest quality materials possible for heirloom quality authenticity.

What's A Wand

Choose a wand based upon the feelings inside you; it can be a tool, a partner, and a friend. A magick wand is typically made of wood and is a stick usually no longer than 24" inches. A "stave" is a word used to describe a wand blank -- one that hasn't been crafted yet. In its most basic sense a wand is used to direct energy raised during ceremonial magick and religious ritual. Though usually one continuous piece of wood, wands are crafted from many different types of materials and have different parts.

The tip that points energy out of a wand -- sometimes capped with a crystal -- is the projection end; when directed with intent it projects the energy outward. The other end that is gripped like a handle is known as the pommel. Sometimes the pommel may be capped with a crystal or gemstone too, but the purpose is to hold energy until released by the wielder of the wand. Some wands may have a core of special ingredients or a wrap of copper wire to aide in conducting energy. Wands can be used for many different purposes, and indeed a person might choose to own several, such as having one for healing ceremonies and another for general Circle casting or wands that correspond to holidays. Wands that are not used on a regular basis should be stored in such a way as to protect them from not only dust and debris but also from any ambient energy influences.

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"You can imagine my enthusiasm for such a unique and beautiful item. It will travel with me to Peru for several Ayahuasca ceremonies. Then to Costa Rica for a healing ceremony. Several patients will be part of a gratitude ceremony with your wand gently touching a giant stone altar. All good medicine!"